Rumaiysa Binti Milhan

Rumaiysa Binti Milhan

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.

Prologue: Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was a role of a model Muslim, a wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting. She was noted for her great courage and bravery. She was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and dedicated her son Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu) to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of Allah.

Her Character of Excellence

It was even before Islam was introduced to Yathrib, Lady Rumaiysa (radiallāhu`anha) was known for her excellent character, the power of her intellect and her independent attitude of mind. She was known by various names including Rumaiysa and Ghumaiysa, but these were possibly nicknames.

One historian says that her real name was Sahlah but later she was popularly known as Umm Sulaym. Umm Sulaym was first married to Malik Ibn An-Nadir and her son by this marriage was the famous Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu), one of the great companions of the Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam).

One of the First Women of Yathrib to Accept Islam

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was one of the first women of Yathrib to accept Islam. She was influenced by the refined, dedicated and persuasive Musab Ibn Umayr (radiallāhu`anhu) who was sent out as the first missionary or ambassador of Islam by the noble Prophet. This was after the First Pledge of Aqabah. Twelve men of Yathrib had gone to Aqabah on the outskirts of Makkah to pledge loyalty to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). This was the first major breakthrough for the mission of the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) for many years.

Umm Sulaym's decision to accept Islam was made without the knowledge or consent of her husband, Malik ibn an-Nadir. He was away from Yathrib at the time and when he returned he felt some change had come over his household and asked his wife: "Have you been rejuvenated?" "No," she said, "but I (now) believe in this man (meaning the Prophet Muhammad sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)."

Malik was not pleased especially when his wife went on to announce her acceptance of Islam in public and instruct her son Anas in the teachings and practice of the new faith. She taught him to say the Shahadah, La-ilaha-illallah and Ash-hadu-anna-Muhammadar-Rasulullah. The young Anas Ibn Malik repeated this simple but profound declaration of faith clearly and emphatically. Umm Sulaym's husband was furious. He shouted at her: "Don't corrupt my son." "I am not corrupting him," she replied firmly.

Her husband then left the house and it is reported that he was set upon by an enemy of his and was killed. The news shocked but apparently did not upset Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) greatly.

Her Marriage to Abu Talhah

She remained devoted to her son Anas and was concerned about his proper upbringing. She is even reported to have said that she would not marry again unless Anas approved. When it was known that Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) had become a widow, one man, Zaid Ibn Sahal, also known as Abu Talhah, resolved to become engaged to her before anyone else did.

He was rather confident that Umm Sulaym would not pass him for another. He was after all a strong and virile person who was quite rich and who possessed an imposing house that was much admired. He was an accomplished horseman and a skilful archer and, moreover, he belonged to the same clan as Umm Sulaym, the Banu Najjar.

Abu Talhah proceeded to Umm Sulaym's house. On the way he recalled that she had been influenced by the preaching of Musab ibn Umayr and had become a Muslim. "So what?" he said to himself. "Was not her husband who died a firm adherent of the old religion and was he not opposed to Muhammad and his mission?" When Abu Talhah reached Umm Sulaym's house he asked and was given permission to enter. Her son Anas Ibn Malik was present. Abu Talhah explained that he had come and asked for her hand in marriage. She said "A man like you, Abu Talhah, is not (easily) turned away. But I shall never marry you while you are a kafir, an unbeliever."

Acceptance Islam as Mahar

Abu Talhah thought she was trying to put him off and that perhaps she had already preferred someone wealthier and more influential. He said to her: "What is it that really prevents you from accepting me, Umm Sulaym? Is it the yellow and the white metals (gold and silver)?" "Gold and silver?" she was somewhat taken aback and in a slightly censuring tone. She said: "Yes, I swear to you, Abu Talhah, and I swear to God and His Messenger that if you accept Islam, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband, without any gold or silver. I shall consider your acceptance of Islam as my mahar."Abu Talhah understood well the implications of her words. His mind turned to the idol he had made from wood and on which he lavished great attention in the same way that important men of his tribe venerated and cared for their personal idols.

The opportunity was right for Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) to stress the futility of such idol worship and she went on: "Don't you know Abu Talhah that the god you worship besides Allah grew from the earth?" "That's true." Abu Talhah replied.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) further said "Don't you feel stupid while worshipping part of a tree while you use the rest of it for fuel to bake bread or warm yourself? (If you should give up these foolish beliefs and practices) and become a Muslim, Abu Talhah, I shall be pleased to accept you as a husband and I would not want from you any sadaqah apart from your acceptance of Islam."

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) asked: "Who shall instruct me in Islam?” Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anhu) replied: "I shall", "How?" "Utter the Declaration of Truth and testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Then go to your house, destroy your idol and throw it away."

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) left and reflected deeply on what Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had said. He came back to her beaming with happiness. "I have taken your advice to heart. I declare that there is no god but Allah and I declare that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Umm Sulaym and Abu Talhah were married. Anas ibn Malik(radiallāhu`anhu), her son, was pleased. The Muslims said: "We have never yet heard of a mahar that was more valuable and precious than that of Umm Sulaym for she made Islam her mahar."

Participated the Second Pledge of Aqabah

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was pleased and delighted with her new husband who placed his unique energies and talents in the service of Islam. Abu Talhah was one of the seventy three men who swore allegiance to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) at the Second Pledge of Aqabah. With him, according to one report, was his wife Umm Sulaym. Two other women, the celebrated Nasaibah Binti Ka’ab and Asma Binti Amr witnessed Aqabah and took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet  (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam).

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and took enormous delight in simply looking at him and listening to the sweetness of his speech. He participated in all the major military campaigns. He lived a very ascetic life and was known to fast for long periods at a time. He had a vast orchard in Madinah with date palms and grapes and running water. One day while he was performing Solat in the shade of the trees, a beautiful bird with brightly colored plumage flew in front of him. He became engrossed in the scene and forgot how many raka’at he had prayed. Two or Three? When he completed the Prayer he went to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and described how he had been distracted. In the end, he said: "Bear witness, Messenger of Allah that I hand over this orchard as a charity for the sake of Allah, the Exalted."The

Passionate of Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)

Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu) and Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had an exemplary Muslim family life, devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and the service of Muslims and Islam. The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to visit their home. Sometimes when the time of Prayer came, The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) would pray on a mat provided by Umm Sulaym. Sometimes also he would have a siesta in their house and, as he slept, she would wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Once when the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) awoke from his siesta, he asked: "Umm Sulaym, what are you doing?" "I am taking these (drops of perspiration) as a barakah (blessing) which comes from you," she replied.

At another time, the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) went to their house and Umm Sulaym offered him dates and butterfat but he did not have any of it because he was fasting. Occasionally, she would send her son Anas with bags of dates to his house.

The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) had a special compassion for Umm Sulaym and her family and when asked about it, he replied: "Her brother was killed beside me." Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) also had a well-known sister, Umm Haram, the wife of the imposing Ubadah Ibn As-Samit (radiallāhu`anhu). She died at sea during a naval expedition and was buried in Cyprus.

Umm Sulaym's husband, Abu Talhah (radiallāhu`anhu), also died while he was on a naval expedition during the time of the third Caliph, Uthman (radiallāhu`anhu), and was buried at sea.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) herself was noted for her great courage and bravery. During the Battle of Uhud, she carried a dagger in the folds of her dress. She gave water to and tended the wounded and she made attempts to defend the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)  when the tide of battle was turning against him.

At the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) saw her carrying a dagger and he asked her what she was doing with it. She said: "It is to fight those who desert.""May God grant you satisfaction in that," replied the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). In the face of adversity, Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) displayed a unique calmness and strength.

One of her young sons, Umayr Ibn Abu Talhah fell sick and died while her husband was away looking after his orchards. She bathed the child and wrapped him in shrouds. She told others at her home that they should not inform Abu Talhah because she herself wanted to tell him.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) had another son whose name was Abdullah. A few days after she gave birth, she sent Anas with the baby and a bag of dates to the Prophet. The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) placed the baby on his lap. He crushed the dates in his mouth and put some in the baby's mouth. The baby sucked the dates with relish and the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "The Ansar are only fond of dates." Abdullah eventually grew up and had seven children all of whom memorized the Quran.

Umm Sulaym (radiallāhu`anha) was a model Muslim, a model wife and mother. Her belief in God was strong and uncompromising. She was not prepared to endanger her faith and the upbringing of her children for wealth and luxury, however abundant and tempting. Umm Sulaym herself was noted for her great courage and bravery.

She was devoted to the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and dedicated her son Anas Ibn Malik (radiallāhu`anhu) to his service. She took the responsibility of educating her children and she played an active part in public life, sharing with the other Muslims the hardships and the joys of building a community and living for the pleasure of God.

Wallahu'alam

[ Via Ummnurah]